Every youth in our community deserves a chance for hope and opportunity. Many youth are homeless, and the number is rising. Many of these youth identify as LGBTQ. Please think about the privileges you enjoy every day - could you go just one day or one week without a few of them to help the youth of our community get on a path to self-sufficiency?

October 19, 2024 marks the 19th Annual IHYC Reggie's Sleepout. Since it began in 2006, Reggie's Sleepout has raised over $1.4 million for Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Every dollar that is raised goes directly toward programs that assist homeless youth. This fall, hundreds will again sleep out, on the field at Drake Stadium, in boxes, tents, and sleeping bags. While one night can never completely replicate what it must feel like to be homeless, Reggie's Sleepout provides some insight into the lives of people who don’t have a place to call home.

I've had the honor to serve on the board of this great organization for 5 years and have seen our work have deeply positive impact for youth who are feet to miles away from where we live. They are our neighbors and friends. Many of these youth do not have strong support systems and just one bad decision, one unfortunate turn of luck, or a combination led them to where they are today. Many are homeless through zero fault of their own.

In a world that is so divisive, let’s open our hearts and help those youth in need of our assistance. Think about what made you successful, who helped you when you had a streak of bad luck. Be the person that helped you in these tough times.

EVERY youth in our community deserves the chance to prosper. ✨